Gingivitis is easily treatable by a dentist or dental practitioner. During a typical dental checkup, your teeth will be cleaned and oral hygiene best practice will be discussed. You can avoid gingivitis by practicing good oral hygiene, which includes regular brushing and flossing, using mouthwash daily, and seeing your dentist for a dental cleaning at least twice per year to remove tartar from hard-to-reach places in your mouth. A well-balanced diet and cessation of smoking can also help. Gingivitis is reversible, and early detection through regular gum health assessment allows you to take action before it gets worse.
Prompt treatment usually reverses symptoms and prevents the condition from progressing into periodontitis, the severe stage of gum disease. A well-balanced diet, quitting smoking and managing health conditions like diabetes can also aid your recovery.
Signs & Symptoms
Gingivitis is a mild gum disease that causes irritation, inflammation and redness of the gingiva (gum tissue that surrounds teeth). Left untreated it can advance to periodontitis, a more serious condition where the infection breaks down bone and soft tissue that holds your teeth in place. This can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Healthy gums are a light pink color and firm. When they are inflamed, they become swollen and tender and may easily bleed when brushing or flossing.
Treatment
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to gum disease that damages underlying tissue and bone. Signs of this more serious condition include bad breath, gums that bleed easily (especially when brushing or flossing), and loose teeth.
Fortunately, it’s easy to reverse gingivitis with good oral hygiene. Regular brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride and regular cleanings by your dental hygienist can get rid of plaque and help prevent its evolution into tartar.
If you’re taking certain medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) for epileptic seizures or some calcium channel blockers used to treat angina or high blood pressure, gingivitis may be more common. Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menstruation, can also contribute to gingivitis.
Prevention
Gingivitis is a very mild form of gum disease and it’s easily preventable with good oral hygiene habits at home, including brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing and using an electric toothbrush. Regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and hygienists will help keep plaque in check. It’s also important to avoid smoking and other unhealthy behaviors that can lead to gingivitis.
Some health conditions like pregnancy, puberty or hormone changes can make the gums more sensitive and susceptible to gingivitis. Gingivitis can also develop due to poor dental hygiene and certain medications, including calcium channel blockers that are used to treat high blood pressure. Seeing your dentist for regular six-month cleanings can add an extra layer of protection against gingivitis by scraping away the hardened plaque and tartar that brushes can’t reach or miss entirely. They can also evaluate your teeth and gums to identify any potential issues early.
Home Remedies
Practicing good oral hygiene, including daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing, can help prevent gingivitis and may even reverse it. Changing your diet to limit sugary drinks and processed foods can also reduce harmful mouth bacteria that cause gingivitis. Additionally, quitting smoking can greatly reduce the risk of gum disease.
Home remedies, such as saltwater rinses and oil pulling, can help reduce gum inflammation and infection. A 2020 study found that rinsing with hydrogen peroxide, which has antiseptic properties, can help reduce plaque and gum disease bacteria.
Turmeric paste has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. To use this home remedy, mix turmeric powder with a small amount of water to create a paste and swish it around in your mouth for several minutes. You can also apply it directly to inflamed gums for more direct relief. Vitamin C supplements can help reduce gum inflammation and stimulate collagen production, which helps heal gums. However, these treatments should only be used to supplement, not replace, professional dental care.